MANILA, Philippines — The Indonesian Navy training vessel KRI Bima Suci 945 docked at Pier 15 South Harbor on Tuesday as part of its goodwill mission promoting peace and camaraderie worldwide.

This visit is part of a 90-day voyage to eight countries -- Singapore, Cambodia, Vietnam, China, South Korwa, Russia, Japan, with the Philippines as the last stop before returning to its homeport in Surabaya, East Java, Indonesia.

In his remarks during the arrival and welcome ceremony, Indonesia's Ambassador to the Philippines, Agus Widjojo, emphasized the significance of this visit in strengthening bilateral relations, coinciding with the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two nations.

During its four-day stay, the crew will participate in various cultural activities, including a drum band display and cultural parade at Legazpi Active Park on October 16, as well as an "Open Ship" event for the public. An onboard reception for the diplomatic community is scheduled for October 17.

The KRI Bima Suci was launched in 2017. It boasts of 26 sails, serving as both a training vessel for cadets and a symbol of Indonesia's maritime heritage, said Ambassador Widjojo.

The vessel carries over 200 personnel, including 189 cadets.

This is the 3rd visit of the ship to Manila. The first was in October 2018 which was followed by another visit in August 2019.